Marijuana legalization in New York: Here’s the money behind politically charged pot war

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing a study to look at the pros and cons of legalizing recreational marijuana in New York. Cuomo’s proposal was part of his state budget address on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018.Jon Campbell / Albany Bureau

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Various forms of medical marijuana at the Vireo Health of New York dispensary in White Plains.(Photo: Peter Carr/The Journal News)Buy Photo

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Marijuana companies spent about $3 million on lobbying in New York over five years

Medical and recreational marijuana businesses are valued at $8 billion across the US

One critic charged that some lobbying groups are fronts for full recreational